Nautilus midsize luxury SUV explores design
The latest Lincoln continues the much-appreciated practice of dropping the confusing naming convention. e 2019 Nautilus replaces the MKX.
Not only is the name new, much of the vehicle has been upgraded, as well.
In addition to extensive plastic surgery, the ve-passenger, midsize luxury crossover gets a new drivetrain, updated technology and a suite of standard safety features.
e replacement for the bestselling Lincoln in the land, comes in two trim levels — Select and Reserve, at $52,450 and $57,350 respectively, including shipping.
Our neighbours to the south get two additional models, one at either end of the trim ladder. ey also get a front-drive version, while all-wheel-drive will be standard here.
Everything from the A-pillars forward has been redesigned. e Lincoln signature mesh grill, rst shown on the Continental, strikes you rst. From there on back, through the fenders and hood you will notice a more rounded look. ere is a strong similarity to the outgoing model, but a more re ned one.
Should you approach at night, you will be greeted with what the company calls “signature Lincoln lighting” from the outside and then once the door is opened.
e interior has been upgraded, as well, with the high-end materials and nish expected of a luxury vehicle. anks to new seats, the 2019 Nautilus boasts more head and legroom, best in class accord- ing to Lincoln.
One option sure to garner interest from those with back problems — Ultra Comfort seats. Orthopaedic surgeons were con- sulted during the design to ensure the seats help reduce fatigue during long drives. ey seats can be adjusted up to 22 ways.
e centre stack is dominated by a large colour touchscreen to control the Sync3 infotainment system compatible with both Apple Carplay and Android Auto. A wireless smartphone charging pad is also available. The new Nautilus comes with a standard embedded 4G modem with Wi-fi hotspot capability.
Push buttons for the transmission are located to the left of the control screen, and the driver faces a 31-cm con gurable digital instrument cluster
e 2019 Nautilus introduces Lincoln Co-pilot360, a suite of safety features bundled into a single package rather than offered individually as options. It uses cameras and radar to monitor activity to the front, sides and rear of the vehicle.
Co-pilot360 will be standard on all trim levels. It includes blind spot detection with cross-tra c
alert, automatic high beams, backup camera, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection.
There are two turbocharged engines for the new Nautilus, a 245- horsepower four- cylinder and a 335-horsepower, 2.7-litre V6.
Both are mated to a new eightspeed automatic transmission, with di erent gearing for each engine. An automatic start/stop system is standard on both engines.
The base, front- drive, fourcylinder Nautilus o ered in the U.S. has a nine-speed automatic transmission.
Built in Oakville, Ont., the 2019 Lincoln Nautilus replaces the current MKX. It has a new four-cylinder engine, a new transmission, a suite of standard safety features and the most interior space in the class.
at should be enough for it to maintain its status within the crowded luxury crossover segment.